Why Gdańsk?
Gdańsk In Brief
Even by Polish standards, the northern Tri-City, is a historical heavyweight, being the place where World War II started and where Lech Valesa and his Solidarity movement began.
The city of Gdansk (Danzig in German) is a principal seaport and a beautiful city on the Baltic Sea coast of northern Poland.
It seamlessly weaves together centuries of history, striking architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Gdańsk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is Poland's fourth largest metropolitan area. Its population is over 480,600.
Gdansk history goes back to year 997. It started as a stronghold of the Dukes of Pomerania, as well as a fishing & merchant port.
The city lies at the southern edge of Gdańsk Bay, close to the city of Gdynia and resort town of Sopot.
These form a metropolitan area called the Tri-City (Trójmiasto), with a population of approximately 1.5 million.
Formerly a German city of Danzig, Gdansk was the starting place of World War II.
In 1939 the first shots of Nazi Germany were fired over the city marking the start of their invasion of Poland.
Greatly damaged during the war, Gdańsk was returned to Poland in March 1945.
The northern Tri-City (in Polish: Trojmiasto) is a major three-part metropolitan region that consists of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.
Gdansk being the anchor of those three parts.
Gdansk is famous for at least two must-see landmarks:
- the splendid Old Town and its main street Dlugi Targ (Long Market) with its exquisite Neptun's Fountain
- the 15th-century Artus Court, an exclusive meeting venue for the local elite since the 16th century
It is worth noting that the other two parts of the metropolitan region are as different as night and day.
Sopot - being a swanky resort town with sandy beaches and tons of tourists - is certainly the most appealing day-trip option.
While Gdynia is a very young port built in 1962 on a small coastal strip regained after the Second World War.
Main Town, Gdańsk
An archetypal north European port, full of imposing Gothic architecture, fogbound quays and buzzing nightlife
European Solidarity Centre, Gdańsk
This inspiring museum is a temple to nonviolent revolution
Gdynia
The former ugly duckling of the Tri-City now boasts compelling museums, unsung beaches and several great places to drink
Hel
This quaint fishing village provides easy access to pristine beaches
Kashubia
The rolling countryside west of Gdansk is dotted with lakes and picturesque villages, and endowed with a distinct local culture
Elblag-Ostroda Canal
Go on a boat trip with a difference - boats are hauled uphill on an intricate railways, part of one of the most ingenious systems of locks and slipways in Europe
Malbork Castle
For centuries the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights, this monumental 13th-century structure is the largest brick-built castle in the world measured by land area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Vistula river
Toruń
The traditional home of Polish gingerbread, this cultured university town is packed with exquisite medieval buildings